Amidst these tumultuous years, engaging in sports can be a game-changer. Not only does it offer physical health benefits, but it also fosters positive habits and life skills that can shape a teenager’s future. Here’s how sports can transform the health and habits of your teen.

The Benefits of Swimming for Kids and Teens

Swimming is an excellent activity for children, offering a combination of fun and fitness that promotes both physical and mental well-being. It enhances cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and improves flexibility and coordination. Additionally, swimming can boost a child’s confidence and provide a sense of accomplishment as they master new skills and techniques.

To maximize these benefits, it’s crucial to find classes for you and your family that cater to different skill levels and ages. Many community centers, local gyms, and specialized swimming schools offer programs tailored to young swimmers, ensuring a safe and supportive environment. Enrolling your child in swimming classes not only fosters a love for the water but also equips them with vital safety skills that can last a lifetime.

Physical Health Benefits

Improved Cardiovascular Health

Regular participation in sports significantly boosts cardiovascular health. Activities such as running, swimming, or cycling elevate the heart rate, enhancing cardiovascular endurance and reducing the risk of heart disease later in life. For teenagers, establishing a routine that includes regular physical activity can set the stage for a lifetime of heart health.

Weight Management

With the rising incidence of childhood obesity, encouraging teens to participate in sports is more important than ever. Sports help burn calories, build muscle, and increase metabolism. These factors contribute to maintaining a healthy weight, which is crucial for preventing obesity-related conditions like diabetes and hypertension.

Bone and Muscle Strength

Engaging in weight-bearing activities such as basketball, soccer, or tennis strengthens bones and muscles. This is particularly important during adolescence, a critical period for bone development. Stronger bones and muscles not only enhance physical performance but also reduce the risk of injuries and osteoporosis in later years.

Enhanced Flexibility and Coordination

Sports like gymnastics, martial arts, and dance improve flexibility and coordination. These physical attributes are essential for overall fitness and can enhance a teen’s ability to perform everyday activities with ease. Improved coordination also contributes to better body awareness and control, which can be beneficial in preventing accidents and injuries.

Mental and Emotional Health Benefits

Stress Relief

Adolescence can be a stressful time, filled with academic pressures, social dynamics, and the onset of significant life changes. Sports provide a healthy outlet for stress relief. Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters, which can alleviate stress and promote a sense of well-being.

Improved Self-Esteem and Confidence

Achieving goals in sports, whether it’s scoring a goal, hitting a new personal best, or mastering a new skill, can significantly boost a teen’s self-esteem and confidence. Being part of a team also provides a sense of belonging and acceptance, which is crucial during the often tumultuous teenage years.

Better Focus and Academic Performance

Regular physical activity has been linked to improved cognitive function and academic performance. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, enhancing memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Teens who participate in sports often develop better time-management skills, balancing their athletic commitments with academic responsibilities.

Reduction in Anxiety and Depression

Sports can play a vital role in mitigating symptoms of anxiety and depression. The routine, camaraderie, and sense of accomplishment associated with sports provide a supportive environment that can help combat feelings of isolation and sadness. Moreover, physical exertion in sports acts as a natural antidepressant, further contributing to mental well-being.

Development of Positive Habits and Life Skills

Discipline and Time Management

Participating in sports requires a commitment to practice and games, fostering a sense of discipline. Teens learn to manage their time effectively, balancing schoolwork, sports, and other activities. This ability to prioritize and manage time efficiently is a valuable life skill that will serve them well into adulthood.

Teamwork and Communication

Team sports, in particular, emphasize the importance of teamwork and effective communication. Teens learn to work together towards a common goal, appreciating each member’s strengths and contributions. These experiences teach them how to collaborate, resolve conflicts, and communicate effectively—skills that are essential in both personal and professional settings.

Goal Setting and Perseverance

Sports inherently involve setting goals, whether it’s winning a championship, improving personal performance, or mastering a new skill. Teens learn the importance of setting realistic goals, devising strategies to achieve them, and persevering through challenges and setbacks. This resilience and determination are invaluable traits that can help them overcome obstacles in various aspects of life.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Teens engaged in sports are more likely to make healthier lifestyle choices, such as eating a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, and avoiding harmful behaviors like smoking and drug use. The emphasis on physical fitness and performance in sports often translates into an overall awareness of health and well-being.

Social Benefits

Building Friendships

Sports provide an excellent platform for building friendships. The shared experiences, challenges, and triumphs create strong bonds between teammates. These friendships can offer emotional support and a sense of community, which are particularly important during the teenage years.

Enhanced Social Skills

Through sports, teens interact with peers, coaches, and sometimes even competitors. These interactions teach them how to communicate, negotiate, and handle both victory and defeat gracefully. Enhanced social skills contribute to better relationships and improved social integration.

Sense of Community

Being part of a sports team can instill a sense of community and belonging. This feeling is especially crucial for teenagers, who are often searching for their identity and place in the world. The camaraderie and support found in a sports team can provide a stable and positive environment for personal growth.

Leadership Development

Sports often present opportunities for leadership, whether it’s being a team captain, leading a group in practice, or mentoring younger players. Teens who take on these roles develop leadership skills that can benefit them in school, careers, and community involvement.

Practical Tips for Encouraging Your Teen to Engage in Sports

Explore Interests

Allow your teen to explore different sports to find one that truly interests them. Whether it’s team sports like soccer or basketball, individual pursuits like swimming or running, or even unconventional activities like rock climbing, finding a sport they enjoy increases the likelihood of sustained participation.

Be Supportive

Encourage your teen’s participation in sports by being supportive, but not overbearing. Attend games and practices when possible, celebrate their achievements, and provide a listening ear when they face challenges.

Set a Good Example

Model an active lifestyle yourself. When teens see their parents valuing and engaging in physical activity, they are more likely to adopt similar habits.

In conclusion, sports offer a myriad of benefits for teenagers, from physical health improvements to the development of crucial life skills and positive habits. Encouraging your teen to participate in sports can set the foundation for a healthy, balanced, and fulfilling life.

So, whether they’re scoring goals on the soccer field, swimming laps in the pool, or hitting their stride on the track, your support can make all the difference in their journey to becoming well-rounded, resilient, and healthy individuals.

Also read:

How to Help Teens With Sports Therapy

How Boxing Improves Teenage Mental Health

The post How Can Sports Transform the Health and Habits of Your Teen? first appeared on Help Your Teens.

Emotional dysregulation is a condition in every teenager’s life that affects the brain’s hormone regulation and general life experience. Often, it is caused by genetic dispositions or environmental factors such as family, school, and social life. Thus, emotional dysregulation shouldn’t be disregarded, and teens experiencing it must be given attention and proper support.

This article will discuss different methods and practices of regulating emotions to give teenagers healthy mental and physical well-being. If your son, daughter, or relative faces such issues, read more below and see what you can do to support them.

Professional Consultation and Therapy Plans

The first thing you can do is to encourage teenagers to speak with a professional. Emotional regulation is linked to deeper-rooted concerns and conditions. The first thing to do to help them is to learn more about this and understand the full scope from the eyes of a professional.

Depending on the diagnosis and suggestions, your mental health provider will create a proper treatment plan and initial prescriptions when necessary. They often suggest antidepressants or similar inhibitors like Citalopram, which can be a significant expense. To save money, check online for Citalopram HBR Discount Coupon packages and generic versions through your doctor’s guidance. 

Bubble Breathing

A good strategy for teens facing stressful situations or anxiety attacks is bubble breathing. Bubble breathing is a variation of breathing techniques for calming down and delivering proper oxygen to the brain. Breathing through their nose and slowly exhaling in the mouth calms them down and regulates their emotions to make sound decisions. 

Additionally, it calms down their fight or flight receptors, avoiding any chances of outbursts and further panic. This is a good strategy when teens face stressful situations regularly, like school, socialization events, and depressive thoughts.

Fidget Toys

At some point, fidget toys like spinners and clickers have become popular with teenagers for many reasons, one of which is they help with their mental health. To be specific, fidget toys are made to distract them from pent-up feelings and relieve excess energy, just like a typical stress ball.

Fidget toys come in many shapes and forms and can be discrete for everyday use. Other alternatives include pens, bracelets, or any objects they can squeeze, pull, or hold without being harmful and distracting.

Positive Listing

Positive affirmations bring out your teen’s good core values and self-esteem by teaching your teen to write down at least ten positive things about them. This method eventually boosts their confidence and allows them to tackle situations with sound decision-making and mood. 

Positive Self-Talk/Affirmations

Self-talking is deemed one of the effective ways to improve function skills, regulate emotions, and regain self-confidence. Although it requires energy and confidence, the effects benefit long-term stability and well-being. 

Teach your teens to think or self-talk on their positive traits or affirmations in every negative statement they can think of. For example, if your teen says, “I feel ugly today,” they can say, “I am awesome and beautiful no matter what.” Guide them through this until it becomes a habit, and it will be their simple but effective outlet for driving out negative thoughts. 

What You Can Do As Parents

Aside from the points above in teaching your teens self-regulation, the following methods aim to improve parent-child relationships and take their condition as a team effort. As the strongest support pillar for teens, parents must improve their mental state.

Curiosity and Exploration

Take time to be curious and wonder about your teen’s emotional state. They can uncover pressing issues and unmet needs that cause them. Teens need to be heard, and parents must train themselves to become active listeners.

But this doesn’t mean we must cater to their wants and needs. Sometimes, reaching out and giving the child time to vent without judgment fosters a genuine connection with your teen. Ultimately, this leads to pushing out pent-up frustrations and leads to actionable insights that you and your child can do. 

This could also be an excellent first step aside from professional consultation. If your teen sees you as a dependable adult to their problems, you can even introduce the self-help methods stated earlier. 

Metaphorical Communication

Teens under intense emotional states can often hinder their capacity to verbalize their thoughts and make sound decisions. When this happens, you can be creative and use metaphors to understand the situation better.

Also, they may prefer other methods of communication, like writing notes or texting, if they don’t feel like talking. Nevertheless, it helps them open up without being confrontative and hostile. And over time, you both can establish a routine of similar conversations to boost their confidence and better understand what goes on in their minds. 

In other words, do a temp check on whether they’re in their good or bad moments to strike up an insightful conversation.

Final Thoughts

A teen’s life is where they explore things, be independent, and establish their personalities simultaneously. And it can be hard on them and cause dysfunctions from their hormones to brain functions and emotions. As the older and mature demographic, we guide them through their experiences and lead them to better well-being and state of mind.

This article and the tips mentioned above can be a significant first step into shaping them into better and more positive versions of themselves.

Also read:

Therapeutic Boarding Schools for Struggling Teens

How Art Therapy Benefits Teen Mental Health

The post How To Teach Teens to Regulate Their Emotions first appeared on Help Your Teens.

The Crucial Role of Positivity and Wellness

Your teenage years are an immensely formative period, with every experience contributing to the way you view the world and yourself. However, the pressures of these years can lead to anxiety, potentially creating obstacles to your positivity and wellness. Cultivating a positive mindset and overall wellness during these transformative years is incredibly valuable. It not only improves your present quality of life but sets a robust foundation for a healthier, happier adulthood.

Understanding the Many Facets of Anxiety

Anxiety is more than just occasional stress or worry—it’s a persistent feeling of apprehension or fear that can interfere with your day-to-day activities. As a teenager, anxiety might manifest as restlessness, difficulty concentrating, sleep issues, or even physical symptoms like headaches and stomachaches. If unaddressed, anxiety can cast a shadow over various aspects of your life, impacting your school performance, social relationships, and overall well-being.

Online Anxiety Treatment: A Cutting-Edge Solution

With the advent of digital technology, help is now more accessible than ever. Online anxiety treatment has emerged as an effective and convenient solution, bringing professional therapeutic aid right to your doorstep—or rather, your screen.

This modern approach encompasses various therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based therapies, and more, all accessible at the click of a button. The flexibility, ease of access, and comfort of anonymity that online therapy offers make it a promising option for you to consider, irrespective of your location or the constraints of a busy schedule.

Actionable Tips to Cultivate Positivity and Enhance Wellness

1. Self-Care: 

Self-care isn’t just a buzzword; it’s an essential practice. Prioritizing your physical health through regular exercise, balanced meals, and adequate sleep has a direct impact on your mental wellness. Remember, your mind and body are interconnected, and taking care of one benefits the other.

2. Mindfulness and Meditation: 

Living in the moment—also known as mindfulness—helps to keep worries about the future or the past at bay. Techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or even simply sitting quietly in a peaceful place can be excellent tools to cultivate mindfulness.

3. Healthy Relationships: 

Surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family members fosters a positive environment that can boost your mental health. Conversely, it’s crucial to distance yourself from relationships that may lead to feelings of anxiety or negativity.

4. Professional Help: 

Remember, seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness—it’s an act of courage. It means you’re taking charge of your well-being. Online anxiety treatment can be an invaluable resource in your wellness journey, providing you with expert guidance and therapeutic techniques.

How Parents Can Offer Support

Your parents can play a pivotal role in your journey toward positivity and wellness. They can help identify changes in your behavior, encourage open conversations about your feelings, and guide you toward appropriate online anxiety treatment resources. They can even participate in therapy sessions if that’s something that feels right to you. Remember, it’s okay to lean on others, especially those who care about you, in times of need.

Actionable Tips For Parents:

1. Observe and Communicate: 

Pay attention to changes in your teen’s behavior, which could indicate underlying stress or anxiety. Encourage open conversations about feelings and experiences, making sure to validate their emotions rather than dismissing them.

2. Promote Healthy Lifestyle Choices: 

Facilitate routines that incorporate balanced meals, adequate sleep, and regular exercise. Reinforcing these habits can boost both physical and mental health.

3. Encourage Mindfulness: 

Help your teenager learn mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or even yoga. These techniques can be a good starting point for managing stress and fostering positivity.

4. Provide a Safe Environment: 

Make your home a safe haven where your teenager feels understood, loved, and accepted. Encourage positive relationships and help them distance themselves from relationships that bring them anxiety or negativity.

5. Seek Professional Help: 

If your teen’s anxiety seems persistent or is interfering with their daily life, it may be time to seek professional help. Online anxiety treatment is a viable option, providing professional guidance right at home. You can assist in finding suitable online resources and even participate in therapy sessions if appropriate and comfortable for your teenager.

Remember, your support and understanding are invaluable to your teenager’s mental health journey. You’re there to guide them and provide a safety net, but it’s equally essential to empower them to take charge of their own well-being.

Your teenage years are a unique blend of growth, exploration, and yes, occasional challenges. But amidst all this, remember that help is always within reach—especially in the form of online anxiety treatment. Engaging with such resources can be a critical step in overcoming anxiety and enhancing positivity and wellness. Seeking help is an act of courage and a testament to your strength. It is an essential part of your journey towards a healthier, happier life, one where you’re equipped to face challenges head-on, appreciate the joyous moments, and live life to the fullest.

Contributor: Jennifer Bell is a mother of two, a wellness coach, and a writer for online mental health resources.

The post Tips to Help Teens Create Positivity And Gain Wellness first appeared on Help Your Teens.

The rapid pace of modern education puts an immense amount of pressure on today’s students. This pressure is particularly prevalent among teenagers who are balancing the transition to adulthood with their growing academic responsibilities.

With their daily schedules filled with studying, attending school, and completing assignments, it’s no surprise that exam stress has become a major issue among students. What proactive steps can be taken to effectively mitigate stress?

An increasing number of students are turning to resources like a paper writing service such as essayservice.com that ease some of their workload with some research. This particular strategy, among various others, has demonstrated its efficacy in assisting students to regulate their stress levels. But relying solely on external assistance is not enough; students must also build their personal stress management skills.

Recognizing Exam Stress

Symptoms of Stress

Exam stress manifests differently for each student. However, common signs include difficulty sleeping, changes in eating habits, headaches, stomach issues, and anxiety or panic attacks. Early identification of these symptoms can enable students to confront the problem before it intensifies.

Stress can also have psychological effects, leading to feelings of irritability, depression, a lack of motivation or focus, and excessive worry. Furthermore, stress can result in behavioral changes like procrastination, withdrawal from responsibilities, neglecting hobbies, and increased use of alcohol, nicotine, or caffeine as coping mechanisms. Recognizing these alterations in your physical and emotional state is the primary stage in dealing with the situation.

Causes of Stress

Understanding the root cause of stress can provide valuable insights into how it can be managed. Common sources of stress for teenagers include fear of failure, pressure to perform, overload of homework, and an inability to manage time effectively.

Teenagers also often stress about living up to the expectations set by their parents, teachers, and peers. Furthermore, in a world increasingly driven by technology, they feel constant pressure to stay connected and updated, which adds to their overall stress levels. In some cases, competition with peers regarding grades and college admissions can cause extreme stress, as students tend to gauge their self-worth based on their academic performance.

Effective Coping Mechanisms

1. Effective Time Management

Practicing good time management can significantly reduce exam stress. This involves planning your study time, breaking down assignments into manageable chunks, and allowing time for breaks and relaxation.

An integral facet of proficient time management is the establishment of feasible objectives and priorities. Ascertain your primary task and direct your efforts toward it. It’s also important to remember that it’s okay to say no to additional commitments that could lead to overload. Always set aside time for relaxation and activities you enjoy. Balancing work with play can significantly decrease feelings of stress and burnout.

2. Physical Activity and Rest

Regular physical exercise is an effective stress buster. Additionally, ensuring you get enough sleep is crucial, as a lack of rest can exacerbate feelings of stress and anxiety.

While ensuring physical activity is important, taking time for relaxation and rest is just as crucial. This could mean taking short breaks during study periods, practicing mindfulness or meditation, or simply engaging in activities that help you unwind. Creating a healthy sleep routine can also significantly reduce stress levels. For peak performance, teenagers necessitate approximately eight to ten hours of sleep each night.

3. Healthy Diet

Maintaining a nutritious diet can amplify your energy and focus, equipping you to better handle exam-induced stress. This includes eating regular meals and avoiding excessive caffeine and sugar.

Hydration also plays a crucial role in managing stress levels. It’s imperative to remain well-hydrated throughout the day and steer clear of energy drinks that can trigger a sudden energy slump. Also, incorporating brain-boosting foods like fish, nuts, seeds, yogurt, and fruits in your diet can enhance cognitive function and reduce stress levels.

Seeking Support

From Friends and Family

Discussing your worries and fears with friends and family can provide a much-needed outlet for your stress. Their reassurance and advice can often help you gain a fresh perspective.

Talking to friends and family not only provides emotional support but can also bring a new perspective to look at the problem. They may offer solutions that you might not have considered before. Also, simply knowing that you are not alone in this journey can significantly reduce feelings of anxiety and pressure.

From School Resources

Many schools offer counseling and stress management workshops. These can provide strategies and techniques for handling exam stress effectively.

Moreover, teachers can provide valuable advice on how to approach studies and exams. They can guide students on how to focus their efforts, clarify their doubts, and provide helpful resources. Schools often also have academic advisors who can help students schedule their coursework in a manageable way.

Conclusion

Exam stress is a common part of the school experience, but it doesn’t have to dominate the lives of students. By recognizing the symptoms and sources of stress, implementing effective coping mechanisms, and seeking support when needed, students can navigate their academic journey with greater ease and confidence.

Remember, it’s okay to seek external help and reach out to the best paper writing services to handle your assignments. But, combining this with personal stress management skills will lead to a more balanced and healthy school life. Take charge of your academic success and well-being today!

Also read:

5 Goals of Therapeutic Boarding Schools

How Therapy Helps Troubled Teens

The post How to Help Teens Effectively Cope with Exam Stress first appeared on Help Your Teens.

Navigating adolescence can be akin to a turbulent emotional journey. This epoch of life is pivotal for growth, discovery, and learning. However, it also often involves facing hardships and overcoming obstacles, both inside and outside the school environment.

Among the skills that teenagers need to thrive amidst these challenges, resilience stands out as particularly important. But how can resilience be cultivated, and how does it impact a teenager’s education and future success?

As students navigate through their academic years, they are tasked with a plethora of assignments, tests, studying schedules, and college applications. While some teenagers seem to manage this workload effortlessly, others might struggle and feel overwhelmed. In these moments of stress, many are turning to resources such as a reliable paper writing service such as domyessay.com.

Understanding Resilience

What Constitutes Resilience?

Resilience signifies the capacity to effectively adjust in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or substantial stressors. In a school context, this might include coping with a poor grade, a challenging homework assignment, or difficult social dynamics.

Resilience isn’t about avoiding stress or hardship but rather learning to cope with it effectively. It’s about having the mental and emotional strength to navigate through the ups and downs and the capability to return to a state of balance after a setback. It’s a dynamic process that requires effort and engagement, not a passive bounce-back from a single episode.

The Role of Resilience in Education

Resilient students are more likely to tackle problems head-on, persist in the face of difficulty, and bounce back from failures. Resilience is a key factor in academic success and mental health, affecting everything from grades to school satisfaction and engagement.

Resilience also plays a significant role in students’ approach toward their schoolwork. A resilient student is more likely to perceive a challenging assignment as an opportunity to learn rather than a threat. They are more likely to show determination and perseverance in their studies, enabling them to achieve their academic goals. These skills can make the educational journey less stressful and more rewarding.

Building Resilience in Teens

Encouraging a Growth Mindset

Teens fostering a growth mindset interpret challenges as learning opportunities rather than threats to their competency. Encourage teenagers to view mistakes and failures as part of the learning process, not as definitive judgments of their capabilities.

Cultivating a growth mindset also involves changing the way teens view effort. It’s important for them to understand that effort is a necessary part of growth and learning, not a sign of inadequacy. This perspective encourages students to put in the effort and work hard, knowing that their efforts will lead to improvement and growth.

Promoting Emotional Intelligence

Helping teenagers understand and manage their emotions can enhance their resilience. Emotional intelligence encompasses the identification and understanding of personal emotions and those of others, leveraging this knowledge to inform behavior.

A high degree of emotional intelligence can equip teenagers with the ability to use their emotions constructively to solve problems and manage stress. This skill also includes empathy, or the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, which can help in forming healthier relationships and better team dynamics in school or later in the workplace.

How Resilience Impacts Future Success

Adaptability in College and Career

Resilience empowers students to adapt to the changing demands of college life and future careers. Resilient individuals are better equipped to handle stress, overcome obstacles, and rebound from failures, all of which are crucial for long-term success.

Adaptable and resilient individuals are also better prepared to seize opportunities that come their way, contributing to their overall success. Within a dynamic global economy, the capacity to adjust to novel situations, technologies, and concepts is highly prized. Thus, resilience is not only advantageous for personal development but also for thriving in the professional world.

Building Healthy Relationships

Resilience also plays a role in building healthy relationships. Resilient people can handle conflict more effectively and maintain stronger, more satisfying social connections. This emotional fortitude can be beneficial in personal as well as professional spheres of life.

A resilient individual’s ability to cope with difficult situations effectively can also make them better partners, friends, and coworkers. Their ability to manage their emotions and handle conflict in a positive manner can lead to more stable and satisfying relationships. They can provide support for others during tough times, further strengthening these relationships.

Conclusion

Resilience is more than just a buzzword. It’s a fundamental skill that can significantly impact a teenager’s education and future success. By encouraging a growth mindset, promoting emotional intelligence, and utilizing both internal and external resources, teenagers can develop resilience that will serve them well throughout their lives.

So whether it’s handling a challenging assignment with the help of the best essay writing services or overcoming a personal obstacle, remember that every challenge faced is an opportunity to build resilience. Begin your resilience-building journey today!

Also read:

What Causes Teen Stress

3 Tips to Improve Teenage Mental Health

The post How Resilience Impacts Teen Education and Success first appeared on Help Your Teens.

Since 2020 studies have revealed that teen depression and anxiety has doubled. Ongoing teenage stress can lead to depression and anxiety.

Most teens experience more stress when they perceive a situation as difficult, dangerous, or painful and they do not have the resources to cope. Teenagers, like adults, can experience daily and can benefit from learning stress management skills.

3 Common Causes of Teen Stress:

By being aware of the common triggers of stress can help your teen better manage their feelings. The best way to understand how your teen processes stress and where the stress stems from is to engage in open and honest communication about stress. It is important for parents to normalize the concept of stress and empower teens to utilize adaptive coping strategies.

1. Academic Stress:  Many teens worry about meeting academic demands, pleasing their parents and teachers, and keeping up with their classmates. Especially for high school students, the fear of failure sets in as academic demands increase. They are concerned about their test scores, applying to colleges and the financial costs of higher education.

Helping your teen with time management skills and better study habits can alleviate some of this stress.

2. Social Pressures. Today it is not only about school pressure to fit in, to be popular, it is also about their online lives. Never doubt the importance it has on most teenagers. Teens place a high value on their social lives — digitally and in real life. Peer pressure is an additional stress during the teen years and with the rise of technology, it has doubled. Teens are losing sleep, becoming agitated and hooked to their screens — living for likes.

Help your teen lead a more balanced lifestyle by engaging in a technology agreement. It gives everyone more family time and digital detoxing.

3. Family Discord. What goes on in your home can affect the entire family. Stress trickles down, and anything that impacts the family can affect the teen. Marital problems, sibling relationships, illness in the family, death in the family, financial stress on the family can all trigger a spike in teen stress.

Life is not perfect and you will have times when curve balls are thrown your way, keep the lines of communication open with your teenager. Although you may not want to share every personal detail, recognize you are going through a difficult time, but you are there for your teen too. It will soften their stress.

4 Signs of Teen Stress

1. Emotional changes: Be aware of your teen’s behavior: do they appear to anxious, agitated, or depressed?

2. Physical changes: When a teen is under stress, they are more likely to get sick or complain of headaches, stomachaches, or other aches and pains. Not wanting go to school is also an indicator.

3. Behavioral changes. Changes in eating or sleeping habits, and avoidance of normal daily activities.

4. Cognitive changes: You might notice decreased concentration, forgetfulness, and/or the appearance of carelessness.

In conclusion:

Healthy lifestyle choices can often help your teen handle stress or reduce its effects. Limiting their screen-time, exercise, eating healthy, sleeping well and avoiding drugs and alcohol.

If your teen is often overwhelmed by stress and is finding it difficult to cope with everyday things, they might benefit from extra support.  Consult with your family doctor or a therapist for help.

Read: Why Is My Teen Depressed?

Read: Why Does My Teen Self-Harm?

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If your teenager is struggling with stress, depression and anxiety and you have exhausted your local resources, contact us for a free consultation to learn how residential treatment can help.

The post What Causes Teen Stress? first appeared on Help Your Teens.

Teenagers often face a lot of challenges at this part of their lives, especially with school. They’re growing, studying, learning, and so on. 

But with that said, the daily pressures of school can cause stress, which can affect how your teen is sleeping at night. While the lack of sleep is normal for teenagers, it doesn’t have to be this way.

This quick guide will explore why sleep is important for teens, and how they can get a good night’s sleep despite the stresses that can come from school.

Why So Sleepy?

“Believe it or not, a teenager’s life can be very hectic, even in school,” says Zachary Hincks, a health writer at Boom Essays. “The problem is, there’s an obvious need for ‘downtime,’ so that teens can rejuvenate and be more alert and relaxed during their school days. The Centers for Disease Control and Protection, or the CDC, suggests that teens should sleep between 8 and 10 hours per 24 hours. However, late nights are tempting for teens, whether they’re hitting the books, cramming for a test the next day, or out with friends.”

Why Does Sleep Matter?

Sleep is crucial for teens, because the lack of it can lead to the following:

• Trouble in school
• Impaired memory
• Lack of motivation
• The inability to concentrate
• Prone to accidents (i.e. car crashes)
• Depression and or anxiety

With sleep, teens will be able to gain more energy for the next day, even when they’ve had a rough day at school the day before. 

Tips For Teens To Sleep Well

So, now that you know how important it is for your teen(s) to get a good night’s sleep, here are some helpful tips on how you can ensure that they’re resting well. With these tips, you can help them prevent the stresses of school from eating away at them:

• • Having a bedtime routine should consist of the following: 
    • Having a consistent bedtime (say, 8:00 PM every night)
    • A light snack before bed
    • Keeping the room dark, cool, and quiet at night
    • Turning the lights on (or open the curtains) right after they get up in the morning
  • The bed should be for sleeping only. That means teens should do their homework, be on mobile devices, etc. off and away from the bed. 
  • Limit your teen’s naps to 30 minutes or less.
  • Make sure your teen is exercising every day.
  • Limit your teen’s caffeine (i.e., coffee, soda, tea, energy drinks) intake. 
  • Don’t heavily rely on over-the-counter sleep aids to help your teen sleep. 
  • Don’t ever let your teen aid their sleep with drugs or alcohol.
  • Limit your teen’s screen time before bedtime.
  • Have your teen keep a sleep diary to keep track of:
    • What time(s) they’ve been going to bed
    • What’s causing them to have difficulty sleeping
    • Any upcoming tests and or events that they might be worrying about, etc.

What Teens Can Do If They Can’t Fall Asleep

“Sometimes, despite taking the necessary steps in getting ready for bed, teens may still find it hard to simply fall asleep,” says Jamie Sambell, a psychology blogger at Paper Fellows. “The best thing for them to do is to get up and distract themselves with reading or drawing until they get tired. This allows your body to prep for sleep naturally.”

When Teens Should See A Doctor

Seeing a doctor can be a last resort, if your teen(s) are still having trouble sleeping at night. You may want to take note of your teen’s sleep habits as you take them to the doctor.

With that said, contact your teen’s doctor, if they’re experiencing the following: 

• • Waking up during the night, and can’t go back to sleep
  • Waking too early in the morning
  • Lack of energy despite getting enough sleep
  • Not doing homework
  • Not attending school
  • Having excessive feelings of sadness, depression, and or anxiety
  • Lack of focus
  • Other illnesses or ailments (i.e., loss of appetite, headaches, etc.)

Conclusion

As you can see, sleep is essential for teen(s). While school is extremely important, so is a good night’s sleep.

We hope that this guide was helpful in understanding why sleep is important to your teen(s), and how you can ensure that they’re sleeping well at night. With this guide in mind, you can help them prevent the stresses of school from eating away at them.

Read: 5 Benefits of Boarding Schools.

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If you are struggling with your teenager that’s suffering with school stress and you have exhausted your local resources, learn more about how residential treatment can help your troubled teen with coping skills for stress and anxiety. Contact us today for  a free consultation.

Contributor: Elizabeth Hines 

The post Is My Teen Suffering with School Stress first appeared on Help Your Teens.

Middle and high school students are under more stress than ever before. The number of U.S. high school students who experience academic pressure increased by 62 percent over seven years even though performance improved only modestly.

The number of students who spend more than 10 hours per week doing homework rose from 12 percent to 21 percent over three years.

Increasing Concerns About Academic Stress

Some schools are experimenting with turning down the heat on students. A few have taken such measures as eliminating advanced placement classes, reducing the emphasis on textbook learning, and administering fewer tests. However, others worry that such measures are too extreme and will hurt a college-bound student’s chance of competing for spots in the nation’s best colleges.

Many schools and parents are focusing, instead, on giving students the tools for coping with the constant demands of school. This might include more counseling, yoga classes, breathing techniques, or designated homework-free days.

Helping Teenagers Cope with School Stress

All of this increased pressure to perform academically can leave young adults feeling hopeless and parents feeling helpless. However, many experts agree that there are definitive steps parents can take to help their teenagers cope. The American Academy of Pediatrics, for instance, stresses teaching children resilience through such methods building confidence, strengthening family connections, and instilling character.

Here are some specific ways in which parents can help teens become more resilient:

Teaching Organization Skills

Perhaps the only thing more stressful for a student than having to complete homework assignments in several subjects is having to complete the work in an environment full of scattered papers and misplaced supplies. The fact that a child needs special knowledge for advanced mathematics is widely known, but both parents and students often take organization skills for granted.

Just like calculus, the organization is something that has to be learned. Children should be taught as early as elementary school to keep their workspaces and backpacks well-stocked and orderly. However, it is not too late for even the most disorganized teen to learn the basics of organization.

Parents who have not mastered this themselves may face the added challenge of learning along with their teens. Depending on the situation, a teen may need guidance in one or more of the following: removing excess clutter, arranging a desk into a workable space, storing supplies, sorting school papers into folders, or writing organized notes. Some great organization tips can be found in the book Organizing from the Inside Out for Teenagers.

Teaching Time Management Skills

Time Management skills are a subset of organization skills. However, since time is less tangible than papers in a folder, its management can be a little harder to grasp.

Teen stress due to over-scheduling has often been the subject of discussion in parent circles, but the lack of scheduling can sometimes be a source of even greater pressures. Having multiple assignments, projects, and tests in the works with no study plan can lead to several major stressors, including cramming, late assignments, and poor performance.

Parents can help teens to develop the habit of keeping track of all assignments on a calendar, school planner, chart, or computer. They can also stress the importance of making a checklist of tasks to be completed and demonstrate how to quickly prioritize responsibilities.

Showing teens how to form a schedule for long-term projects or daily study plans for tests can prevent work from piling up and leading to stressful late-night cram sessions. In his book Fighting Invisible Tigers: Stress Management for Teens, psychologist Earl Hipp states that learning to set aside time for relaxation is also an important time management skill.

Teaching Relaxation Techniques

The ability to rest seems like something that should be second nature, but many people in today’s busy world simply do not know how to do it. Teaching teens simple breathing or meditation techniques can go a long way to help relieve tense muscles or calm nerves before an oral presentation. Some numerous books and videos describe such simple techniques. Parents can also advise their teens to enroll in a yoga class.

Offering as Much Support as Possible

Comprehensive way parents can help their middle or high school students to relieve stress is to simply offer their full and unwavering support. Understandably, parents want their children to learn independence, but this can be a gradual process as their children build knowledge and self-confidence.

A parent should continue to provide tutoring and emotional support as well as being actively involved in her child’s education well into the adolescent years. Even something as simple as helping a teenager with a regular household chore during final exams can reduce stress.

Contributor: Diane Wong

Read: Why Therapeutic Boarding Schools Are Effective.

Read: Causes of Teenage Mental Health Issues.

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If you feel you have exhausted your local resources and your teenager is experiencing extreme levels of stress, anxiety or depression – you may want to consider residential therapy. Contact us to learn more about residential treatment.

The post Managing and Reducing School Stress for Teens first appeared on Help Your Teens.

But with that said, the daily pressures of school can cause stress, which can affect how your teen is sleeping at night. While the lack of sleep is normal for teenagers, it doesn’t have to be this way.

This quick guide will explore why sleep is important for teens, and how they can get a good night’s sleep despite the stresses that can come from school.

Why So Sleepy?

“Believe it or not, a teenager’s life can be very hectic, even in school,” says Zachary Hincks, a health writer. “The problem is, there’s an obvious need for ‘downtime,’ so that teens can rejuvenate and be more alert and relaxed during their school days. The Centers for Disease Control and Protection, or the CDC, suggests that teens should sleep between 8 and 10 hours per 24 hours. However, late nights are tempting for teens, whether they’re hitting the books, cramming for a test the next day, or out with friends.”

Why Does Sleep Matter?

Sleep is crucial for teens, because the lack of it can lead to the following:

• Trouble in school
• Impaired memory
• Lack of motivation
• The inability to concentrate
• Prone to accidents (i.e. car crashes)
• Depression and or anxiety

With sleep, teens will be able to gain more energy for the next day, even when they’ve had a rough day at school the day before. 

Tips For Teens To Sleep Well

So, now that you know how important it is for your teen(s) to get a good night’s sleep, here are some helpful tips on how you can ensure that they’re resting well. With these tips, you can help them prevent the stresses of school from eating away at them:

• • Having a bedtime routine should consist of the following: 
    • Having a consistent bedtime (say, 8:00 PM every night)
    • A light snack before bed
    • Keeping the room dark, cool, and quiet at night
    • Turning the lights on (or open the curtains) right after they get up in the morning
  • The bed should be for sleeping only. That means teens should do their homework, be on mobile devices, etc. off and away from the bed. 
  • Limit your teen’s naps to 30 minutes or less.
  • Make sure your teen is exercising every day.
  • Limit your teen’s caffeine (i.e., coffee, soda, tea, energy drinks) intake. 
  • Don’t heavily rely on over-the-counter sleep aids to help your teen sleep. 
  • Don’t ever let your teen aid their sleep with drugs or alcohol.
  • Limit your teen’s screen time before bedtime.
  • Have your teen keep a sleep diary to keep track of:
    • What time(s) they’ve been going to bed
    • What’s causing them to have difficulty sleeping
    • Any upcoming tests and or events that they might be worrying about, etc.

What Teens Can Do If They Can’t Fall Asleep

“Sometimes, despite taking the necessary steps in getting ready for bed, teens may still find it hard to simply fall asleep,” says Jamie Sambell, a psychology blogger. “The best thing for them to do is to get up and distract themselves with reading or drawing until they get tired. This allows your body to prep for sleep naturally.”

When Teens Should See A Doctor

Seeing a doctor can be a last resort, if your teen(s) are still having trouble sleeping at night. You may want to take note of your teen’s sleep habits as you take them to the doctor.

With that said, contact your teen’s doctor, if they’re experiencing the following: 

• • Waking up during the night, and can’t go back to sleep
  • Waking too early in the morning
  • Lack of energy despite getting enough sleep
  • Not doing homework
  • Not attending school
  • Having excessive feelings of sadness, depression, and or anxiety
  • Lack of focus
  • Other illnesses or ailments (i.e., loss of appetite, headaches, etc.)

Conclusion

As you can see, sleep is essential for teen(s). While school is extremely important, so is a good night’s sleep.

We hope that this guide was helpful in understanding why sleep is important to your teen(s), and how you can ensure that they’re sleeping well at night. With this guide in mind, you can help them prevent the stresses of school from eating away at them.

Also read:

The Sleep-Deprived Teen

Why Therapeutic Boarding Schools Are Effective

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If you are struggling with your teenager’s behavior (stress and anxiety) and have exhausted your local resources, learn more about how residential treatment can help your troubled teen through emotional growth. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Contributor: Elizabeth Hines is a writer and editor at Assignment helpand Academized. 

The post Preventing Teen School Stress first appeared on Help Your Teens.

Stress does not discriminate, and it certainly knows no age limits. In fact, data collected by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that stress is significantly common among teenagers and actually “rivals that of adults.”

Teenagers are confronted with demands or expectations to perform well in school and make important decisions about their future, all while combating peer pressure and even cyberbullying, which is a frequent occurrence in the age of social media in which they grew up.

To have some degree of stress in life is normal, but if stress intensifies for extended periods of time, it can cause both emotional and physical ramifications that can affect teenagers’ mental health. The APA also reported that many teens (30%) who suffer from stress reported feeling depressed. Among other things, chronic stress can also cause anxiety and other negative thoughts and behaviors.

“To break this cycle of stress and unhealthy behaviors we need to provide teens with better support and health education at school and home, at the community level and in their interactions with health-care professionals,” says APA CEO Norman B. Anderson, Ph.D.

Parents can play a significant role as support systems by acquainting their teenagers with self-care strategies that will help them manage stress and address possible mental health conditions. These three self-care ideas can help teenagers deal with life’s everyday demands in a more enlightening and  productive way:

1. Start the conversation. Begin showing your teen support by addressing one of the most concerning aspects of stress: the development of a possible mental health disorder. Mental illness is so often poorly understood, which can add to the challenge of living with such a condition and actually affects how one handles stress. It can be difficult for many teenagers to talk to their parents, let alone about mental health. But the reality is that there are variations of mental health resources like podcasts, comics, blog posts and discussion guides that provide a great understanding of conditions in a relatable and intriguing manner, making the subject of mental health much more comfortable.

2. Be prepared with “on-the-go” techniques. During high-stress situations, the body may respond physically through increased heart rate, quickened breathing, muscle tightening, and elevated blood pressure. To regulate the nervous system and bring calmness to the forefront of focus, it can be particularly helpful to know a few calming or grounding techniques. Be that as it may, it might not always be possible to remove oneself from an environment when physical symptoms arise, especially teenagers who may be in in the middle of a class, for instance. Thus, it’s even more important to find exercises for your teen that can be done anywhere. Breathing exercises are beneficial for achieving quick and discrete relaxation from stress and anxiety.

3. Hobbies can be an overlooked tool. It’s no shocking revelation that teenagers are busy, but it seems as though any and all of their free time is placed in front of a screen these days. Whether it’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Netflix, or texting, so much of their extra time to unwind is occupied by mindlessly looking at a screen. Instead, introduce your teen to a new hobby or even engage in one together. Hobbies can still be relaxing and are great for the body’s overall well-being, particularly in developing teenagers. Regularly participating in a hobby can provide structure that in turn can translate into good time management skills, ultimately decreasing stress. Personal connections and improved social skills can also be an added bonus of taking up a hobby because you never know who your teenager might have something in common with. Whether it’s a sports league, book club, rock band, or an art club, your teenager will be actively engaged in a mindful activity (and off their phones) which is important for both their physical and mental well-being.

Also read:

Why Residential Treatment Works When Home Therapy Fails.

 5 Benefits of Therapeutic Boarding Schools.

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If you are struggling with your teenager’s behavior and you have exhausted your local resources, learn more about how residential treatment can help your troubled teen through emotional growth. Contact us today for a free consultation.

The post Teen Stress: Ways to Promote Healthy Mindset first appeared on Help Your Teens.